Imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit, a display unit, an interested-position obtaining unit, a zoom operation obtaining unit and an image-processing unit. The imaging unit is configured to image an image of an object through a lens. The display unit is configured to display the image imaged by the imaging unit. The interested-position obtaining unit is configured to obtain specification of an interested position in the image displayed on the display unit. The zoom operation obtaining unit is provided for the lens and is configured to obtain a zoom operation. The image-processing unit is configured to perform, on the image, an electronic zoom processing of enlarging the interested position, in accordance with the zoom operation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/828,716 (referred to as “the '716 application” andincorporated herein by reference), filed on Mar. 14, 2013, titled“IMAGING APPARATUS,” and listing Yoshinori Matsuzawa and Osamu Nonaka asthe inventors, the '716 being based upon and claiming the benefit ofpriority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-088634, filedApr. 9, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to imaging apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, zoom functions are often used in imaging apparatuses. Zoomis classified into optical zoom in which a focal distance of a lens isoptically changed and electronic zoom which electronically cuts out apart of an image. For example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No.2007-072252 discloses a technology relating to use of optical zoom andelectronic zoom which are switched from each other as a zoom ringprovided on a lens is operated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatusincludes an imaging unit configured to image an image of an objectthrough a lens; a display unit configured to display the image imaged bythe imaging unit; an interested-position obtaining unit configured toobtain specification of an interested position in the image displayed onthe display unit; a zoom operation obtaining unit provided for the lensand configured to obtain a zoom operation; and an image-processing unitconfigured to perform, on the image, an electronic zoom processing ofenlarging the interested position, in accordance with the zoomoperation.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatusincludes an operation member configured to determine a cutout rangechange per time; and a specification unit configured to specify a centerof a cutout area in an image.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method of trimming animage includes specifying a cutout center in an image; and determining acutout range change per time.

Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description whichfollows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may belearned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the inventionmay be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities andcombinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, andtogether with the general description given above and the detaileddescription of the embodiments given below, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example configurationof a digital camera according to the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically shows an example of a state in which the digitalcamera according to the first embodiment is held;

FIG. 3 is a view showing for explaining common zoom-in;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of a method for specifying aninterested position in the digital camera according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an example of zoom-in operation of thedigital camera according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of coordinates and a zoomedarea in an image of the digital camera according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 7A is a view for explaining an example of Y-coordinates of an imagearea during zoom operation of the digital camera according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 7B is a view for explaining an example of X-coordinates of an imagearea during zoom operation of the digital camera according to the firstembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining an example of a method for specifying aninterested position in a digital camera according to a modification ofthe first embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a view for explaining an example of a scene where a digitalcamera according to the second embodiment is used;

FIG. 9B is a view for explaining an example of multi-recording accordingto the second embodiment, showing an example of a whole image;

FIG. 9C is a view for explaining an example of multi-recording accordingto the second embodiment, showing an example of a cutout image;

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining an example of a method for specifying afixation point of the digital camera according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, FIG. 11C, and FIG. 11D each show an example of animage area during zoom operation of the digital camera according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 12C, FIG. 12D, and FIG. 12E each show anexample of an image area during zoom operation where the secondembodiment is not applied;

FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, FIG. 13C, FIG. 13D, and FIG. 13E each show anexample of an image area during zoom operation of a digital cameraaccording to a first modification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an example of options displayed on adisplay section of the digital camera according to the firstmodification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a view for explaining a retrospective photo mode as anexample of an imaging mode of a digital camera according to a secondmodification of the second embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a view for explaining a photo-in-movie mode as an example ofthe digital camera according to the second modification of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 15C is a view for explaining a multi-frame mode as an example of animaging mode of the digital camera according to the second modificationof the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart which shows an example of processing in thedigital camera according to the second modification of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an example of a lens optical systemof a digital camera according to the third embodiment;

FIG. 18A, FIG. 18B, and FIG. 18C each are a view for explaining anexample of changing a relationship between a switch operation amount anda zoom variation speed in the digital camera according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B each are a view for explaining an example of ascene where the digital camera according to the second embodiment isused;

FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a setting image of the digitalcamera according to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 21 is a flowchart which shows an example of processing in thedigital camera according to the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First Embodiment

The first embodiment of the invention will be described with referenceto the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram schematically showing adigital camera 1 as an imaging apparatus according to the presentembodiment. The digital camera 1 is a camera of an interchangeable lenstype, for example. However, technologies of the invention are notlimited to the interchangeable lens type but are applicable to a compactcamera with a fixed lens. With the camera of interchangeable lens type,shooting can be achieved with use of various lenses in compliance withan object to be captured. Accordingly, cameras of this type are oftenused by users who want to image objects which are available in dailylife in addition to ordinary objects, such as people and sceneries.Users who are assumed to utilize the invention include users of suchcameras with interchangeable lenses.

The digital camera 1 of the interchangeable lens type comprises a camerabody 10, a lens 20, and a finder unit 30. A user takes pictures with afavorite lens 20 attached to the camera body 10. The lens 20 leads anobject image to an imaging unit 12 provided in the camera body 10described later. Here, the lens 20 will be described as a zoom lens. Thelens 20 comprises a lens optical system 26. A zoom unit 26 a, a focusunit 26 b, and a diaphragm unit 26 c are provided in the lens opticalsystem 26. The zoom unit 26 a moves positions of a plurality of lenselements, to perform a zoom function. The focus unit 26 b moves a focuslens and adjusts an object image to comply with the imaging unit 12. Thediaphragm unit 26 c adjusts an amount of light guided to the imagingunit 12 by opening/closing a diaphragm.

The lens 20 comprises a controller 21 which controls operation of thezoom unit 26 a, focus unit 26 b, and diaphragm unit 26 c. Also, the lens20 comprises a position detector 25 a which detects the position of eachelement in the zoom unit 26 a, a position detector 25 b which detectsthe position of each element in the focus unit 26 b, and a positiondetector 25 c which detects the position of each element in thediaphragm unit 26 c. Still also, the lens 20 comprises a drive unit 24 awhich drives a motor inside the zoom unit 26 a, a drive unit 24 b whichdrives a motor inside the focus unit 26 b, and a drive unit 24 c whichdrives a motor inside the diaphragm unit 26 c. The lens 20 alsocomprises a storage unit 27 which records control data and programs, anda body communication unit 22 to communicate with a camera body 10.

Based on control data and programs recorded on the storage unit 27 andvarious control parameters obtained through the body communication unit22, the controller 21 operates the drive unit 24 a to drive the zoomunit 26 a by use of output of the position detector 25 a. Also based oncontrol data and programs recorded on the storage unit 27 and variouscontrol parameters obtained through the body communication unit 22, thecontroller 21 operates the drive unit 24 b to drive the focus unit 26 bby use of output of the position detector 25 b. Still also based oncontrol data and programs recorded on the storage unit 27 and variouscontrol parameters obtained through the body communication unit 22, thecontroller 21 operates the drive unit 24 c to drive the diaphragm unit26 c by use of output of the position detector 25 c.

The lens 20 comprises operation units 23 a and 23 b. The operation units23 a and 23 b are operation obtaining units configured to be inputtedoperation of the zoom unit 26 a, focus unit 26 b, and diaphragm unit 26c. A user can control operation of the zoom unit 26 a, focus unit 26 b,and diaphragm unit 26 c by operating the operation units 23 a and 23 b.The user can perform lens operation for imaging specialized in blureffects, by operating these operation units 23 a and 23 b. For example,the operation units 23 a and 23 b comprise a ring part which is pivotedalong a cylindrical lens body. The ring part allows shift operation aswill be described later. For example, rotation operation thereofcorresponds to input of the operation unit 23 a, and the shift operationcorresponds to input to the operation unit 23 b. The operation units 23a and 23 b may be operation switches may be used in place of.

For example, the operation unit 23 a which is a zoom ring is notmechanically linked to the zoom unit 26 a by a gear or a cam. With thelens 20 of the present embodiment, the zoom unit 26 a is driven by themechanism of the drive unit 24 a using a small actuator or amechatronics technology, in accordance with operation of the operationunit 23 a.

On the other side, the camera body 10 comprises a signal processingcontroller 11 which processes various signals and controls respectivecomponents of the camera body 10. The signal processing controller 11 isconfigured by, for example, an integrated circuit. The signal processingcontroller 11 is provided with a signal-processing unit 11 a which canperform image processing required for displaying or recording an image.A parameter-control unit lib which controls various parameters isprovided in the signal processing controller 11. Further, the displaycontrol unit 11 c which controls image display onto a display unit 18 aand an eyepiece display unit 30, and a touch determination unit lidwhich processes an input from the touch panel 18 b described later. Thesignal processing controller 11 is provided with a link processing unitlie which performs recording control of two images in multi-recording ofrecording two images simultaneously. A lens-operation determination unit11 f which determines operation of the operation units 23 a and 23 b isprovided in the signal processing controller 11.

The camera body 10 comprises the imaging unit 12. The imaging unit 12performs imaging operation. That is, the imaging unit 12 converts intoan electrical signal an object image which enters from the lens 20, andgenerates an image signal. The imaging unit 12 outputs the generatedimage signal to the signal processing controller 11.

The camera body 10 comprises the display unit 18 a for displaying animage. The display unit 18 a comprises a liquid-crystal display panel,for example. The camera body 10 is configured to be attached with afinder unit 30. That is, the finder unit 30 comprises an eyepiecedisplay unit 31 and a body communication unit 32 while the camera body10 comprises the finder communication unit 15 b. The body communicationunit 32 of the finder unit 30 and the finder communication unit 15 b areconnected and communicate with each other. The eyepiece display unit 31has a small liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The finder unit30 is to enlarge a display image by a dedicated optical system, andmakes the display image viewable for a user. Since the user can lookinto a finder for observation, the image can be observed without beinginfluenced by external light. Further, the finder unit 30 is configuredin a manner that visibility can be adjusted to comply with user'svisibility requirement by adjusting the dedicated optical system. Owingto the visibility adjustment, the user can observe an excellent imageirrespective of the user's eyesight. The display unit 18 a and theeyepiece display unit 31 operate under control of the display controlunit 11 c in the signal processing controller 11.

The camera body 10 is provided with an operation unit 16 which receivesinput dependent on various operations of the user. Operation at the timeof imaging is most prioritized for an imaging apparatus. For example, arelease button for taking still images is located at a position wherethe release button can be operated with the right forefinger. The usercan make the digital camera 1 perform imaging operation by operatingthis release button. In addition, the operation unit 16 is provided withswitches and dials, through which changes are inputted about imagingparameters such as a shutter speed, a diaphragm, an exposure correction,sensitivity settings, and a focus position. A cross key used to input aninterested object, according to the present embodiment, is provided onthe operation unit 16.

The camera body 10 comprises the touch panel 18 b. This touch panel 18 bis provided, for example, over the display unit 18 a. The touch panel 18b also receives input of instructions from the user. The user canoperate the digital camera 1 by touching positions corresponding toicons displayed, for example, on the display unit 18 a. The touch panel18 b receives instructions relating to zoom operation according to thepresent embodiment from a user. For example, the touch panel 18 b isused to input an interested object. A signal which the touch panel 18 boutputs upon touch by the user is outputted to the touch determinationunit lid in the signal processing controller 11. The signal is processedat first by the touch determination unit 11 d.

The camera body 10 comprises a first storage unit 14 a and a secondstorage unit 14 b. The first storage unit 14 a is, for example, a ROMand stores programs which are used for control by the signal processingcontroller 11. The second storage unit 14 b is, for example, a RAM suchas a SDRAM, and temporarily stores a processing result of the signalprocessing controller 11. Further, the camera body 10 is provided with arecording unit 17 for recording image data generated by imaging. Therecording unit 17 as a common recording medium is detachably connectedto the camera body. The camera body 10 comprises a face detector 13which detects a face part of an object, based on an image signalobtained by the imaging unit 12. The camera body 10 comprises anacceleration sensor 19 for detecting a posture of the camera body 10.The camera body 10 comprises a lens communication unit 15 a forcommunicating with the body communication unit 22 of the lens 20.Instructions for operation of the lens 20 from the camera body 10 to thelens 20, and transfer of information concerning a state of the lens 20from the lens 20 to the camera body 10 are performed by the lenscommunication unit 15 a and the body communication unit 22. The camerabody 10 comprises a clock 11 g for adding data of imaged date/time to animage taken.

The signal processing controller 11 operates according to a programstored in the first storage unit 14 a. A signal processing unit 11 a inthe signal processing controller 11 creates a preview image, based onthe image signal inputted from the imaging unit 12 in a manner that auser can perform imaging while visually checking the display unit 18 aand the eyepiece display unit 30. The display control unit 11 c in thesignal processing controller 11 causes the display unit 18 a or theeyepiece display unit 30 to display the preview image as a throughimage. In accordance with input from the operation unit 16, the signalprocessing unit 11 a in the signal processing controller 11 creates arecording image, based on an image signal inputted from the imaging unit12 at the time of imaging, and makes the record unit 17 record thisrecording image. The parameter-control unit 11 b in the signalprocessing controller 11 controls imaging, for example, by evaluatingfocusing, based on contrast of a face part detected by a face detector13, detecting an offset of a focus based on a phase difference signal,and switching an adjustment amount, such as an exposure amount. Thetouch determination unit 11 d in the signal processing controller 11obtains a signal from the touch panel 18 b, and obtains instructions ofthe user through the touch panel 18 b. The link processing unit 11 e inthe signal processing controller 11 creates a whole image as a firstimage, and an image as a second image obtained by cutting out a part ofthe whole image. The link processing unit lie makes the whole image andthe cutout image be recorded and makes the display unit 18 a display arequired image. The lens-operation determination unit 11 f determinesoperation of the operation unit 23 a and the operation unit 23 b of thelens 20, and obtains instructions of the user.

Operation of the digital camera 1 according to the present embodimentwill now be described. The digital camera 1 according to the presentembodiment can zoom in centering on the position which is specified inadvance by the user through operation using the operation unit 23 a ofthe lens 20. The digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment isgripped by a user, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, the usergrasps the lens 20 in the left hand 100L, and operates the touch panel18 b and the operation unit 16 by the right hand 100R. In the presentembodiment, the operation unit 23 a of the lens 20 is a zoom ring whichis pivoted along the cylindrical lens body. The user observes display ofthe display unit 18 a and the finder unit 30.

In general, when zoom operation is performed in optical zoom, thedisplay gradually zooms in toward the center of an image. Accordingly,as shown in FIG. 3, when zoom operation is performed, for example, in astate that an interested object 111 such as a person is out from thecenter with the digital camera 1 fixed, as indicated by a broken lineand one-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the angle of view gradually changes asindicated by a broken line and a one-dot chain line, and the interestedobject 111 comes out of the angle of view.

On the other side, in operation of the digital camera 1 according to thepresent embodiment, for example, the touch panel 18 b is touched by theright hand 100R. The face of the person as the interested object 111displayed on the display unit 18 a is specified as an interestedposition. Thereafter, as the operation unit 23 a of the lens 20 isoperated, the angle of view changes to the broken line and then to theone-dot chain line in this order, thereby zooming in to enlarge theinterested object 111. Here, after the user specifies the interestedposition, imaging operation including operation of the operation unit 23a may be performed seeing the display unit 18 a or seeing the eyepiecedisplay unit 31 of the finder unit 30.

By setting an imaging mode in advance, whether zooming in to theinterested object 111 is performed by electronic zoom as in the presentembodiment or by driving the zoom unit 26 a to optically zoom may beswitched by operating the operation unit 23 a. The configuration may bearranged so as to use the electronic zoom when an interested position isspecified or to use optical zoom otherwise.

A user who is confident of skills to make full use of optical zoom whichenlarges with reference to a image center may carry out optical zoomoperation by operating the operation unit 23 a for zoom as in the priorart during panning. The user who is not confident of zoom operation maycarry out operation to specify a face center and a zoom center bytouching the touch panel 18 b, to use the zoom function of zooming inabout the specified position by the digital camera 1 without panning.That is, operation of even the same operation unit 12 a switches so asto perform optical zoom solely or together with electronic zoom,depending on whether zoom-center specification operation has been madeor not. Electronic zoom control need not always require optical zoom butmay be performed only by trimming of cutting out the image. The speed ofzoom is controlled by the operation unit 23 a for zoom. Once zooming isstarted only by touch operation, the user cannot zoom at a favoritespeed and cannot stop zooming when the user wants to stop. When aninterested position is approximately the center of the image, electroniczoom need not be used but electronic zoom and optical zoom may beswitched depending on the interested position.

Operation according to the present embodiment will be described in moredetails. As shown in FIG. 6, an area of an image before zoom-in isreferred to as a non-zoomed area Al. As shown in FIG. 6, in thenon-zoomed area Al, an x-axis is defined in a horizontal direction of animage, and y-axis is defined in an vertical direction of the image. Anorigin (0, 0) is defined at the lower left corner of the non-zoomed areaAl, the value of the x-coordinate increases in the rightward direction.The value of the y-coordinate increases in the up direction. Thecoordinate of the upper right corner of the image is defined at (X0,Y0).

The touch determination unit 11 d detects a touch on the touch panel 18b by the user. A detection result thereof is outputted to the facedetector 13. The face detector 13 detects a face near a touched positiondetected by the touch panel 18 b. The coordinates of the center of thisface are set as (x, y)=(Xt, Yt), and the length of the face in they-axis direction is referred to as Yf. The parameter-control unit 11 bobtains these values Xt, Yt, and Yf. Using these values, theparameter-control unit 11 b calculates values Y1 and Y2 of y-coordinatesfrom the following equations (1) and (2), respectively, as well ascalculates values X1 and X2 of x-coordinates by the following equations(3) and (4), respectively.

Y1=Yt−Yf   (1)

Y2=Yt+Yf   (2)

X1=Xt−1.5×Yf   (3)

X2=Xt+1.5×Yf   (4)

The parameter-control unit 11 b outputs a calculation result to thesignal-processing unit 11 a. An area indicated by a one-dot chain lineand including x-coordinates from X1 to X2 and y-coordinates from Y1 toY2 is referred to as a zoomed area A2. In the present embodiment,zoom-in is performed from the non-zoomed area A1 to the zoomed area A2by use of electronic zoom, in accordance with operation of the operationunit 23 a of the lens 20 by the user.

The lens operation determination unit 11 f determines operation of theoperation unit 23 a by the user. The lens operation determination unit11 f outputs information relating to input from the operation unit 23 aat the signal-processing unit 11 a. The signal-processing unit 11 acalculates a y-coordinate Yd of the lower edge of the image during zoom,a y-coordinate Yu of the upper edge thereof, an x-coordinate X1 of theleft edge thereof, and an x-coordinate Xr of the right edge thereof bythe following equations (5) through (8), by using a predeterminedconstant h0 and a variable h.

Yd=Y1×h/h0   (5)

Yu=Y0−(Y0−Yt+Yf)×h/h0   (6)

X1=X1×h/h0   (7)

Xr=X1+(Yu−Yd)×α.   (8)

Here, α is a value relating to an aspect ratio. h and h0 are valuesrelating to a zoom ratio and can indicate rotation amounts of theoperation unit 23 a as a lens ring. For example, in case of a settingthat zoom-in to the zoomed area A2 is performed as the operation unit 23a, h0 is a displacement amount corresponding to one turn of theoperation unit 23 a, and h is a displacement amount of the operationunit 23 a at the time of the operation unit 23 a detected by the lensoperation determination unit 11 f. Also, h and h0 can indicate, forexample, zoom-in time. For example, in case of setting that zoom-in tothe zoomed area A2 is performed when zoom-in operation continues for 5seconds, h0 takes 5 seconds and h is elapsed time at the time. Accordingto the foregoing equations (5) through (8), a y-coordinate Yd of thelower edge and a y-coordinate Yu of the upper edge are as shown in FIG.7A, and an x-coordinate X1 of the left edge, and an x-coordinate Xr ofthe right edge in FIG. 7B. When the variable h becomes greater than h0,zoom-in is performed more than the zoomed area A2 toward the center ofthe detected face. The foregoing x-coordinate and y-coordinates may beconfigured to be changed depending on the posture of the camera body 10detected by an acceleration sensor 19.

According to the present embodiment, the digital camera 1 performszoom-in operation by electronic zoom in a manner that an interestedobject specified by the touch panel 18 b is positioned at the center,when the user operates the operation unit 23 a such as a zoom ringwithout changing the direction of the digital camera 1, i.e., withoutpanning. According to the embodiment, panning of the camera is notrequired, and therefore, a motion picture which smoothly zooms in can beimaged, for example, in video imaging. Further, smooth zoom-in can beachieved toward an interested object, for example, when the digitalcamera 1 is fixed to a tripod, without changing the direction of thedigital camera 1.

The operation unit 23 a is configured in a manner that, for example, apredetermined relationship is maintained between a rotation angle of thering unit of the zoom lens as the operation unit 23 a and a focal lengthof the lens. Capability of changing the predetermined correspondencerelationship will be described again in the third embodiment.

In this case, the user rotates the ring unit of the zoom lens by anangle corresponding to a focal length thereof. Further, the operationunit 23 a may be configured in a manner that a predeterminedrelationship is maintained between the rotation angle of the ring unitof the zoom lens and a change of the focal length of the lens. In thiscase, the user maintains the ring unit of the zoom lens rotated until adesired focal length is reached. The operation unit 23 a may comprise awide-angle button to zoom out to a wide-angle side and a tele-button tozoom in to a telescopic side.

Also in the present embodiment, the zoomed area A2 is determined basedon the position of a face detected by the face detector 13. However, thezoomed area A2 need not be based on the position of the face. Forexample, the zoomed area A2 may be a predetermined area having a touchedposition as a centroid or may be an area which is set as the userselects a desired area by surrounding a desired area with use of thetouch panel 18 b.

Therefore, the user can favorably set the zoom speed and a stopposition, depending on a manner of operating the zoom operation unit(the ring unit of the zoom lens and switches for telescopic andwide-angle sides). From this point of view, there is provided a camera(imaging apparatus) which determines zoom change per time and a zoomstop position in accordance with operation of the zoom operation memberand which can change a zoom center in the image. When a specified pointis approximately the center of the image, electronic zoom need not beperformed. Electronic zoom and optical zoom may be switched incorrespondence with location of the specified point. Naturally, sincethere is a limit to optical zoom, electronic zoom may be performed so asto compensate for the limit.

Thus, the imaging unit 12 functions, for example, as an imaging unitconfigured to image an image of an object through the lens. For example,the display unit 18 a functions, for example, as a display unitconfigured to display an image imaged by the imaging unit. The touchpanel 18 b functions, for example, as an interested position obtainingunit configured to obtain specification of an interested position in animage displayed on the display unit. The operation unit 23 a functions,for example, as a zoom operation obtaining unit provided on the lens andconfigured to obtain zoom operation. The signal processing controller 11functions, for example, as an image processing unit configured toperform, on an image, electronic zoom processing to enlarge aninterested position in accordance with the zoom operation.

Modification of First Embodiment

A modification of the first embodiment will now be described. Differencefrom the first embodiment will be described first. The same portions asthose of the first embodiment will be denoted at the same referencesigns, respectively, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In thefirst embodiment, the user carries out operation of touching the touchpanel 18 b, seeing the display unit 18 a, when an interested object isset. In contrast, in the present modification, the user sets aninterested object while looking into the finder unit 30.

Therefore, the eyepiece display unit 18 a shows a cursor 101, forexample, as shown in FIG. 8. The cursor 101 moves as the user operates abutton for selecting, for example, up, down, left, and right sides ofthe operation unit 16. The user moves the cursor 101 to a position of aninterested object by using the operation unit 16 and presses an enterbutton. The interested object can thereby be selected. Further, thetouch panel 18 b may be used to move the cursor 101. In this case, theuser can operate, for example, the touch panel 18 b by the thumb of theright hand. The other features of operation are the same as those in thefirst embodiment.

According to the present modification, the same operation can beperformed to obtain the same effect as the first embodiment whilevisually checking an image by the eyepiece display unit 31. From thispoint of view, the invention provides a camera (imaging apparatus) whichcan determine change of zoom per time and a stop position and which canchange the center of zoom in the image. When a specified point is theapproximate center of the image, electronic zoom need not be performedbut electronic zoom and optical zoom can be switched in accordance withlocation of the specified point.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the invention will now be described. Differencefrom the first embodiment will be described below. The same portions asthose of the first embodiment will be denoted at the same referencesigns, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In the presentembodiment, the first embodiment is applied to so-called multi-recordingby which, for example, a video of a whole angle of view and an enlargedvideo thereof are recorded simultaneously in a motion picture. Thepresent embodiment will be described with reference to an example ofshowing a state of choral singing in which a lot of people as shown in,for example, FIG. 9A are an interested object. In the presentembodiment, a whole image which reflects the whole scenery is recordedas shown in FIG. 9B, and simultaneously, a cutout image which isenlarged and cut out as shown in FIG. 9C is recorded. A cutout image asshown in FIG. 9C is obtained by electronic zoom from the whole image asshown in FIG. 9B. Such a processing peculiar to multi-recording ismainly performed by a link processing unit 11 e. In the presentembodiment, the first embodiment is applied to zoom-in of a cutoutimage.

Operation of the digital camera 1 according to the present embodimentwill now be described. Execution of multi-recording imaging is nowsupposed to have been selected. At this time, the link processing unit11 e of the digital camera 1 continues obtaining an image (main image)as the whole image, as shown in FIG. 9B. On the other hand, the linkprocessing unit 11 e continues obtaining a cutout image (sub image). Toobtain the cutout image, a user specifies an interested object by, forexample, touching the touch panel 18 b as in the first embodiment, asshown in FIG. 10.

A touch determination unit 11d detects a touched position. A facedetector 13 determines an interested position which includes aninterested object, based on this touched position, as in the firstembodiment. The parameter control unit 11 b determines a zoomed area A2based on the position of the interested object. The display control unit11 c displays the zoomed area A2, for example, on a display unit 18 a,as shown in FIG. 11A.

When a user operates the operation unit 23 a of the lens 20 so as tozoom in while a cutout image is obtained by the link processing unit 11e, the signal-processing unit 11 a creates an image which graduallyzooms in to the zoomed area A2 by electronic zoom, as shown in FIG. 11B,FIG. 11C, and FIG. 11D, as in the first embodiment, and displays theimage as a cutout image on the display unit 18 a. The process of thiszoom-in is also obtained as a cutout image, and continuously recorded onthe recording unit 17. When the zoomed area A2 is reached, thesignal-processing unit 11 a then stops zoom-in. As shown in FIG. 11D, aspecification release key 112 is then indicated.

When a part of the specification release icon 112 is touched by theuser, the electronic zoom of a cutout image is released as shown in FIG.11A. If the part of the specification release icon 112 is touched,zoom-out may be performed gradually in order of FIG. 11C, FIG. 11B, andFIG. 11A. Otherwise, zoom-out may be performed gradually in order ofFIG. 11C, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11A by operation of the operation unit 23a.

A cutout image is as follows, when an interested object positions at aperipheral part of a whole image as shown in, for example, FIG. 12Awhere zoom-in is performed toward the center of an image, withoutapplying the present embodiment. That is, after panning or while panningas shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C, zoom-in is performed as shown in FIG.12C, FIG. 12D, and FIG. 12E. Since the digital camera 1 is being pannedat this time, the whole image which is simultaneously obtained comes outof center as shown in, for example, FIG. 12C.

In contrast, since the digital camera 1 is not panned according to thepresent embodiment, a motion picture is obtained in which the wholeimage properly continues capturing the whole view, as shown in FIG. 11A,while the cutout image zooms in with the interested object positioned inthe center. Operation using a touch panel hardly generates sound noisein comparison with operation using switches. Accordingly, in motionpicture imaging as in the present embodiment, specification of a cutoutarea is effective also in view of noise prevention.

For a cutout image, what part of a whole image has been cut out can berecognized more easily and is easier to view when an image whichgradually zooms in toward a zoomed area A2 is obtained as in the presentembodiment, than when an image of a zoomed area A2 is suddenly cut out.Thus, the present embodiment is effective in obtaining a video which iseasy to view.

The present embodiment may be configured to allow a user to specify thezoomed area A2 with the cursor 101 while looking into an eyepiecedisplay unit 31, as in the modification of the first embodiment. Forexample, a whole image and a cutout image may be displayed, for example,arrayed in line on the display unit 18 a.

Thus, the invention can provide a camera (imaging apparatus) whichdetermines change of cutout per time and a cutout range in accordancewith operation of a cutout operation member for a sub image and whichcan change the center of cutout in the image. Cutout control is atechnology of changing a range of the imaging element to be displayed orrecorded, and is thus the same technology as electronic zoom control.When a specified point is approximately the center of the image,electronic zoom need not be used but electronic zoom and optical zoommay be switched depending on the location of the specified point.

First Modification of Second Embodiment

The first modification of the second embodiment will now be described.Difference from the first embodiment will be described below. The sameportions as those of the first embodiment will be denoted at the samereference signs, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Inthe second embodiment, only electronic zoom is used in zoom-in to acutout image although the present modification uses optical zoom andelectronic zoom in combination with each other in zoom-in to a cutoutimage.

Up to processing of determining a zoomed area A2, operation of thepresent embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. When auser operates the operation unit 23 a so as to zoom in, zoom-in isperformed as shown in FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, FIG. 13C, FIG. 13D, and FIG.13E. That is, optical zoom is used until edges of an image area A3correspond to edges of the zoomed area A2 (FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, andFIG. 13B and FIG. 13C) from a whole image shown in FIG. 13A. Thereafter,electronic zoom is used until the zoomed area A2 is reached (from FIG.13C to FIG. 13D and FIG. 13D to FIG. 13E). The other features ofoperation are the same as those of the second embodiment.

According to the present embodiment, not only electronic zoom but alsooptical zoom is used. Therefore, deterioration of image quality can besuppressed in comparison with use of only the electronic zoom. However,in recording a whole image, an image is obtained as shown in FIG. 13Cwhich is different from the whole image of FIG. 13A. This is because asensible range of the optical system is limited if optical zoom is usedtogether.

As in the present modification, the configuration may be arranged toallow a user to select either operation using optical zoom andelectronic zoom in combination or operation using only electronic zoomas in the second embodiment. In this case, a choice of prioritizingoptical zoom to prioritize image quality as in the present modificationand a choice of prioritizing an overview of the whole image as in thesecond embodiment are configured to be displayed on the display unit 18a as shown in FIG. 14. The digital camera 1 may be configured to operateaccording to a user's choice. When the choice of prioritizing opticalzoom is selected, optical zoom is performed within a range which can becovered under control of the optical zoom. Otherwise, electronic zoom isperformed. In this case, a main image is restricted by the opticalsystem. Accordingly, the person standing at the right end of FIG. 13A isnot imaged, and thus, the overview is not prioritized. On the otherside, when a sub image is cut out only by electronic zoom, the mainimage is not limited by the optical system. Accordingly, the main imageshows the overview and the sub image shows a trimmed image. This featurehas been particularly described in the second embodiment. However, sincethe first embodiment does not use any main image, there has been nospecial description thereof in the first embodiment. However, theconcept of using optical zoom together in combination is applicable alsoto the first embodiment.

Second Modification of Second Embodiment

The second modification of the second embodiment will now be described.Difference from the first embodiment will be described. The sameportions as those of the first embodiment will be denoted at the samereference signs, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Thedigital camera 1 according to the present modification can performrecording in three modes, outlines of which are schematically shown inFIG. 15A, FIG. 15B, and FIG. 15C. That is, the first mode is referred toas a retrospective photo mode which records a still image 150, a motionpicture 151 for a predetermined period prior to imaging of the stillimage, and a motion picture 153 for a predetermined period subsequent tothe imaging of the still image, as shown in FIG. 15A. The second mode isreferred to as a photo-in-movie mode in which a desired still image 160is recorded in accordance with recording of the motion picture 161, asshown in FIG. 15B. The third mode is referred to as a multi-frame modein which two type of motion pictures are recorded, i.e., a whole image171 and a cutout image 170 are recorded, as shown in FIG. 15B.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart concerning a processing according to thepresent modification. In Step S101, the signal processing controller 11displays a through image on a display unit 18 a or an eyepiece displayunit 31, and makes a second storage unit 14 b store this image as afirst motion picture. In Step S102, the signal processing controller 11determines whether the part to be cut out is specified or not. When thepart is determined to have not been specified, the processing goes toStep S104. When the part is determined to have been specified, thesignal processing controller 11 makes the cutout part be displayed as asecond motion picture on the display unit 18 a or the eyepiece displayunit 31 in Step S103. Both the first and second motion pictures may bedisplayed together or only the second motion picture may be displayed.At this time, the signal processing controller 11 controls an area to becut out as in the second embodiment, in accordance with operation of theoperation unit 23 a, for example, which is a zoom ring of the lens 20 bythe user. The signal processing controller 11 makes the second storageunit 14 b store a second motion picture.

The signal processing controller 11 determines whether the partspecified has been released or not by touching the specification releasekey 112 shown in FIG. 11D in Step S104. When the part specified isdetermined to have not been released, the processing goes to Step S106.When the part specified is determined to have been released, the signalprocessing controller 11 displays the first motion picture which is awhole image on the display unit 18 a or the eyepiece display unit 31,and stops storing the second motion picture into the second storage unit14 b in Step S105.

The signal processing controller 11 determines whether an instruction toimage a still image has been inputted, for example, by pressing arelease button of the operation unit 16 or not in Step S106. When aninstruction to image a still image is determined to have been inputted,the signal processing controller 11 performs imaging of a still image inStep S107, and makes the recording unit 17 record the still image of awhole image and/or a cutout image. The signal processing controller 11reads the first motion picture as a whole image and/or the motionpicture as a cutout image, imaged during the predetermined period priorto imaging of the still image in Step S108, from the second storage unit14 b, and records the first and/or second motion pictures onto therecording unit 17. The signal processing controller 11 records the firstmotion picture as a whole image and/or the motion picture as a cutoutimage imaged during the predetermined period subsequent to imaging ofthe still image, onto the recording unit 17. Thereafter, the processingis terminated. That is, data of the retrospective photo mode is recordedon the recording unit 17.

When any instruction to image a still image is determined to have notbeen inputted in Step S106, the signal processing controller 11determines whether an instruction to image a motion picture has beeninputted, for example, by pressing a motion-picture capture button ofthe operation unit 16 or not in Step S111. Otherwise, when anyinstruction to image a motion picture has not been inputted, theprocessing goes to Step S112. The signal processing controller 11determines whether the imaging mode has been terminated or not, in StepS112. When the imaging mode is determined to have not been terminated,the processing returns to Step S101. When the imaging mode is determinedto have been terminated, the processing ends.

When an instruction to image a motion picture is determined to have beeninputted in Step S111, the signal processing controller 11 startsimaging the first motion picture which is a whole image in Step S113.Thereafter, the first motion picture is continuously recorded onto therecording unit 17 until motion-picture imaging is terminated. The signalprocessing controller 11 starts imaging of a second motion picture inStep S114, when the second motion picture which is a cutout image isobtained.

The signal processing controller 11 determines whether an instruction toimage a still image has been inputted or not in Step S115. When anyinstruction to image a still image is determined to have not beeninputted, the processing goes to Step S117. When an instruction to imagea still image is determined to have been inputted, the signal processingcontroller 11 performs imaging of a still image in Step S116, and makesthe recording unit 17 record a still image of a whole image and/or acutout image. That is, together with motion picture data to be recordedlater, data in the photo-in-movie mode is recorded onto the recordingunit 17.

The signal processing controller 11 determines whether an instruction toterminate imaging of a motion picture has been inputted or not in StepS117. When an instruction to terminate imaging of a motion picture isdetermined to have been inputted, the signal processing controller 11converts the first motion picture and/or the second motion picture intoa file, and makes the recording unit 17 record the file in step S118. Atthis time, when a still image imaged in Step S115 exists, the signalprocessing controller 11 links the motion picture file with the stillimages, and forms a file of the photo-in-movie mode.

When an instruction to terminate imaging of a motion picture isdetermined to have not been inputted in Step S117, the signal processingcontroller 11 determines whether a part to be cut out has been specifiedor not in step S121. When the part is determined to have not beenspecified, the processing returns to Step S115. When the part isdetermined to have been specified, the signal processing controller 11makes the cutout part be displayed as a second motion picture on thedisplay unit 18 a or the eyepiece display unit 31 in Step S122. Thefirst motion picture may be displayed together with the second motionpicture or only the second motion picture may be displayed. At thistime, the signal processing controller 11 controls an area to cut out inaccordance with operation of the operation unit 23 a, for example, as azoom ring of the lens 20 by the user. The signal processing controller11 makes the second storage unit 14 b store also the second motionpicture. Thus, the first and second motion pictures are recordedsimultaneously by multi-recording.

The signal processing controller 11 determines whether the partspecified part has been released or not in Step S123. If the partspecified has not been released, the processing returns to Step S115. Ifthe part specified has been released, the signal processing controller11 displays the first motion picture as a whole image on the displayunit 18 a or the eyepiece display unit 31, and stops recording thesecond motion picture onto the second storage unit 14 b in Step S124.Thereafter, the processing returns to Step S115.

According to the present modification, motion pictures and still imagescan be recorded in the retrospective photo mode, photo-in-movie mode, ormulti-frame mode. At this time, a cutout area in a cutout image iscontrolled by operation using the operation unit 23 a, so as to zoom inan area specified by the touch panel 18 b as in the second embodiment.These modes are to switch a main image obtained by almost all part ofthe imaging element and a cutout sub image, depending on how the userobtains and uses the images.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment of the invention will now be described. Differencefrom the first embodiment will be described below. The same portions asthose of the first embodiment will be denoted at the same referencesigns, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. A lens 20according to the present embodiment is a zoom lens in which positions oflenses are moved and controlled by motors. A focal distance of the lens20 is controlled to change according to operation of the operation unit23 a which is a switch. Such zoom control will be referred to aselectric zoom control. FIG. 17 shows an example configuration of a lensoptical system 26 according to the present embodiment. As shown in thisfigure, the lens optical system 26 according to the present embodimentcomprises five groups of lenses. From an objective lens as the lens G1of the first group toward an imaging unit 12, a lens G2 of the secondgroup, a lens G3 of the third group, a lens G4 of the fourth group, anda lens G5 of the fifth group are arranged in this order.

The lens G1 of the first group and the lens G5 of the fifth group arefixed. The lens G2 of the second group is driven by a first motor 261and lead screw 261 s. The lens G2 of the second group functions as alens group for focusing. The lens G3 of the third group is driven by asecond motor 262 and lead screws 262 s, and the lens G4 of the fourthgroup is driven by the third motor 263 and lead screws 263 s. The lensG3 of the 3rd group and the lens G4 of the fourth group function as lensgroups for changing a focal distance. Accordingly, the first motor 261functions as a drive unit 24 b, and the second motor 262 and the thirdmotor 263 function as a drive unit 24 a. The first motor 261, secondmotor 262, and third motor 263 are, for example, stepping motors.

The lens G3 of the third group is provided with a linear encoder 265,and the position of the lens G3 of the third group is obtained by usingthe linear encoder 265. The lens 4 of the fourth group is provided witha douser 267 and a photo-interrupter 268. The position of the lens 4 ofthe fourth group is obtained by using the douser 267 and thephoto-interrupter 268. Accordingly, the linear encoder 265, douser 267,and photo-interrupter 268 function as a position detector 25 a. The lens20 configured in this manner is not limited to the present embodimentbut can be used in the first and second embodiments.

The operation unit 23 a according to the present embodiment is, forexample, a zoom ring and is provided with three-step switches to atelescopic side and a wide-angle side. The zoom change speed andone-shot zoom-in function to a set angle described later are assignedrespectively to the switches, respectively. In the present embodiment,assignment of these switches may be set by the user. That is, as shownin FIG. 18A, a relationship between a switch operation amount and a zoomchange speed can be changed, for example, from FIG. 18B to FIG. 18C,i.e., so as to lower the change speed as the user touches the touchpanel 18 b and slides a finger on a graph. Thus, the digital camera 1 isconfigured in a manner that the zoom change speed can be changed up anddown as the user operates the touch panel 18 b.

The digital camera 1 may be set as follows. For example, in an image asshown in FIG. 19A, for example, an interested object 111 such as a bird,which is an area inside a broken line, is set by touching the touchpanel 18 b. When one-shot zoom-in to a set angle of view is assigned tothe switch in the third step in the telescopic side, the angle of viewis changed at once to FIG. 19B from FIG. 19A by using electronic zoom. Aselection image as shown in, for example, FIG. 20 is displayed on thedisplay unit 18 a to allow the user to perform setting as describedabove. For example, when “speed control” is selected, adjustment asshown in FIG. 18A is available. When “angle of view setting” isselected, for example, a function of one-shot zoom-in such as transitionto FIG. 19B from FIG. 19A is assigned to the switch in the third step inthe telescopic side. Thus, when the user turns on the switch in thethird step on the telescopic side at the instance when the bird fliesup, the digital camera 1 performs one-shot zoom-in to a specified areaby electronic zoom, and obtains a zoomed image at the instance. Whenenlarged by electronic zoom, the function of one-shot zoom-out byelectronic zoom may be assigned to, for example, the third step in thewide-angle side.

In the first embodiment, the operation unit 23 a is configured so as tomaintain a predetermined relationship between the rotation angle of thering part, for example, as the operation units 23 a of the zoom lens andthe focal distance of the lens. However, the predetermined relationshipis not limited hitherto but the embodiment particularly discloses thatthe predetermined relationship can be modified. The operation memberneed not be a ring rotation member but may be a switch for switchingbetween telescope and wide-angle. At this time, the rotation amount ofthe ring rotation member can be associated with a press amount of theswitch. The user can set zoom change per time and change of a cutoutrange.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of an example of processing according to thepresent embodiment. The signal processing controller 11 detectsoperation of the operation unit 23 a in Step S201. The signal processingcontroller 11 detects whether the operation unit 23 a is operated towardthe telescopic side (telescopic direction) or not in Step S202. If theoperation unit 23 a is determined to be operated toward the telescopicside, the signal processing controller 11 determines whether a changehas been made to settings or not in Step S211. If any change isdetermined to have been made to settings, the signal processingcontroller 11 makes the lens optical system 26 zoom toward thetelescopic side in accordance with initial settings in Step S212.Thereafter, the processing is terminated. If any change is determined tohave been made to settings, the signal processing controller 11 makesthe lens optical system 26 zoom toward the telescopic side in accordancewith settings set by the users in Step S213. Thereafter, the processingis terminated.

If the operation unit 23 a is determined to have not been operatedtoward the telescopic side in Step S202, the signal processingcontroller 11 determines whether the operation unit 23 a is operatedtoward the wide-angle side (wide-angle direction) in Step S203. If theoperation unit 23 a is determined to be operated toward the wide-angleside, the signal processing controller 11 determines whether a changehas been made to settings or not in Step S221. If any change isdetermined to have not been made to settings, the signal processingcontroller 11 makes the lens optical system 26 zoom toward the wide sidein accordance with the initial settings in Step S222. Thereafter, theprocessing is terminated. If any change is determined to have been madeto settings, the signal processing controller 11 makes the lens opticalsystem 26 zoom toward the wide side in accordance with settings set bythe user in Step S223. Thereafter, the processing is terminated. If thelens optical system 23 a is determined to have not been operated towardthe wide-angle side in Step S203, the signal processing controller 11makes the lens optical system 26 to stop zoom operation in Step S204.

According to the present embodiment, settings of operation of the lens20 are changed by operation of the touch panel 18 b of the camera body10. For example, the zoom speed relative to operation of the operationunit 23 a can be changed. As for the zoom speed, the speeds of both theoptical zoom and the electronic zoom can be changed. As in the presentembodiment, the touch panel 18 b which is used to specify an interestedobject may also be used to change the settings of the lens 20.

Electronic zoom in which, once an interested object is specified, angleof view is changed at once to an interested position including theinterested object at a stretch, is assigned to operation of theoperation unit 23 a. By such one-shot zoom-in as described, a zoom-inimage can be obtained without missing good timing to take a picture.

Timing of installing programs executed by flowcharts described in eachof the foregoing embodiments is not limited to a manufacturing period ofan apparatus. The programs may be installed afterwards into an apparatusby using a medium such as the Internet or a memory card. Therefore, thepresent invention covers programs assuming electronic apparatuses asdescribed in the embodiments. The invention further covers evendownloading by a user and an apparatus configured to be able to use suchcontrol programs through a network.

The foregoing embodiments of the invention include inventions asfollows.

[1] An imaging apparatus comprising:

a zoom operation member configured to determine zoom change per time anda stop position; and

a specification unit configured to specify a zoom center in an image.

[2] The imaging apparatus described in [1], wherein the zoom operationmember includes a switch for switching between telescopic side and wideside.

[3] The imaging apparatus described in [1], wherein the zoom operationmember includes a ring-shape rotary member.

[4] The imaging apparatus described in [1], wherein the zoom includesoptical zoom and electronic zoom.

[5] The imaging apparatus described in [1], further comprising an inputunit configured to be inputted a change rate of the zoom change pertime.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unitconfigured to image an image of an object; a display unit configured todisplay the image of the object, the object being subjected to zooming;a zoom operation obtaining unit configured to obtain a user input amountof a zoom operation; and an input unit configured to receive, viaadditional user input, a zoom change speed which is a relationshipbetween the user input amount of the zoom operation and an amount of thezooming, the relationship being displayed in the display unit.
 2. Theimaging apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a zoom lens, theimaging unit imaging the image of the object through the zoom lens; anda controller configured to control an operation of an optical zoom byusing the zoom lens in response to the amount of the zoom operation inaccordance with the zoom change speed.
 3. The imaging apparatus of claim1, further comprising: a controller configured to control an operationof an electronic zoom in response to the amount of the zoom operation inaccordance with the zoom change speed.
 4. The imaging apparatus of claim1, wherein the zoom operation obtaining unit includes a wide zoomoperation member to obtain an amount of a zoom out operation and a telezoom operation member to obtain an amount of a zoom in operation.
 5. Theimaging apparatus of claim 4, wherein the wide zoom operation memberincludes a plurality of wide-zooming switches; the tele zoom operationmember includes a plurality of tele-zooming switches; the zoom changespeed has a plurality of speed values; each of the wide-zooming switchesis assigned one of the speed values; and each of the tele-zoomingswitches is assigned one of the speed values.
 6. The imaging apparatusof claim 1, wherein the zoom operation obtaining unit includes a switchwhich is assigned a one-shot zoom-in function which is a function to cutout a selected area of the image of the object by using an electroniczoom in accordance with a predetermined zoom change speed.
 7. Theimaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the zoom operation obtaining unitis provided with a lens, the imaging unit imaging the image of theobject through the lens.
 8. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe input unit includes a touch panel which is provided on the displayunit.
 9. A method of imaging comprising: imaging an object; displayingan image of the object in a display unit, the object being performedzooming; obtaining a user input amount of a zoom operation; andobtaining, via additional user input, a zoom change speed which is arelationship between the amount of the user input zoom operation and anamount of the zooming, the relationship being displayed in the displayunit.